Betty Exler

Betty Colleen Drexler of Allyn, WA passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 21st, 2015 while snorkeling in the waters off Ulua beach during her long anticipated first vacation to Maui.

She is survived by her loving husband of over 44 years, Robert “Rob” Drexler, their daughter Alisha (Chad) Harrison and adored granddaughter, Avery.
Her mother, Bonnie Appelt, her brothers Randy (Melinda) Greenroad and Felix “Scooter” (Amy) Appelt.
She is also remembered with love by an extensive extended family and a great circle of friends.

Betty was predeceased by her father, Johnny Greenroad, her sister and best friend, Cinda Rodgers, and far too many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Betty was quite proud to be born and raised a Texan. She married Rob in December of 1970 when he was home on “boot leave” from the Navy and together, they started their adventure. Criss-crossing this great country as well as living abroad, Betty cultivated life-long friendships in every stop along the way.

Eventually settling in Washington, Betty has immersed herself in her local community of “Allyn by the Bay” and will be dearly missed by the many clubs and organizations to which she belonged.

Betty’s love of children was evident to all who knew her, but none more than her granddaughter. When Avery would enter a room, Betty focused on nothing other than her. She attended gymnastics meets and practices, basketball and soccer games, and school functions. She watched her hunt Easter eggs and open birthday and Christmas presents. She was a major part of her everyday life. She loved that girl with all her being, and Avery loved her just as much in return. They shared a bond rivaled by none.

To know Betty was to know her love of life, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit. She and Rob enjoyed traveling, visiting with loved ones, and experiencing all that life had to offer. She fulfilled a lifelong desire to learn to make stained glass, and her artistic efforts can be found in the homes of loved ones all across the country. She refused to make anything to be sold; she was only interested in seeing the joy on the faces of those whom she blessed with her art. She recently learned pine needle basket weaving and also loved creating beautiful baskets. Betty was quite a good shot; she thoroughly enjoyed target shooting and recently joined the ‘Well Armed Women’ club. While not an avid angler, she always enjoyed the opportunity to catch a fish or two. A zealous Seahawks fan (though she never fully let go of her love for the Cowboys) she could be heard yelling at the TV and cheering for her Hawks on Sundays in the fall.

She possessed an unparalleled strength, apparent to all through her two victories over Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Betty’s unwavering positivity and grace was an inspiration to those around here, even in her hardest times.

Perhaps, one of her best legacies was her ability to show love by her desire to nurture relationships. Her daily and weekly phone calls to various family members and friends will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 30th, 2015 at Harper Free Church at 2:00pm. Reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Betty’s honor.